RMBLCUCS – Chapter 36: Risking His Life for His Wife
The more they talked, the more enthusiastic they became. Xin An’s laughter grew brighter and more carefree, her worries completely forgotten.
Tang Mo quickly noticed that several people in the crowd were stealing glances at her. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, casting a sharp warning look at those prying eyes.
Xin An, aware of the attention, instinctively leaned in closer to him, ignoring the onlookers entirely. She kept her eyes fixed on the field, fully immersed in the game.
Tang Mo, however, was starting to regret his decision.
He had completely forgotten that although this woman was fierce, she also happened to have a very attractive face. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought her here after all.
“Quick, quick, quick—almost in! Ahh, so close!”
“Huntian Yuan may be strong, but they’re not as agile as Blazing Lions. Too rigid in their movements.”
Seeing her beaming with excitement, Tang Mo couldn’t help but smile along with her.
“They’re former soldiers, after all—not as flexible as an escort agency’s men.”
Before they knew it, noon had arrived.
In the end, Blazing Lions emerged victorious.
Xin An had clapped so much that her hands ached, but her spirits had never been higher. She turned to Tang Mo and asked eagerly,
“Will there be another match in the afternoon?”
“There should be.”
“Then let’s come back!”
Tang Mo rubbed his forehead—was she addicted already?
But since they were already out, going back so early would be boring.
“Fine. I’ll have Lailai reserve a private room for us.”
“Good!”
Only when most of the spectators had dispersed did Tang Mo finally escort her out.
On the way to lunch, Xin An was still buzzing with excitement.
“You know,” she said, “I actually feel younger right now. Just shouting a few times made it seem like all the frustration in my heart got released!”
“How does the betting work? Do we have to place wagers? We should try it in the afternoon—it’s part of the fun, isn’t it?”
Tang Mo nearly choked on air.
Was this woman crazy? She wanted to gamble now?
“Alright, listen—we watch one more game, then we go home. And once we do, you’re keeping this a secret.”
“Got it!”
Xin An’s eyes gleamed mischievously.
“But if we get caught, I’ll just say you brought me here. That way, you’ll be the one getting scolded.”
Tang Mo let out a helpless laugh.
“Can’t you treat me a little better?”
“I went out of my way to bring you here, and now you’re throwing me under the carriage? Where’s your conscience?”
“Hahahaha~~~”
Xin An burst into laughter, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
“Don’t be mad—I’ll treat you to lunch today. You can eat whatever you want.”
“Now that’s more like it.”
Even the servants who came along were in for a feast.
While Xin An and Tang Mo dined in a private room, she generously ordered additional dishes for the coachman, two guards, Lailai, and Chunyang. All of them received the same fine dishes she and Tang Mo were eating.
Lailai, mouth full of food, couldn’t help but glance at Chunyang.
“Is this always the treatment when going out with Second Young Madam?”
Chunyang, chewing on a chicken leg, replied nonchalantly,
“My Young Madam has always been like this. If you serve her well, you’ll reap plenty of rewards.”
Lailai grinned from ear to ear, while the coachman and the two guards devoured the food with gusto.
After all, Second Young Madam rarely went out—when would they get another chance like this?
“Old Sun, you not eating your chicken leg?” one of the guards asked.
The coachman, Old Sun, smiled sheepishly and carefully wrapped the chicken in oil paper.
“I’m saving it for my old mother.”
Chunyang paused, remembering what Nanny Wang had told her about winning people over.
She put down her chicken leg, wiped her hands, and said,
“Just eat it. You drive the carriage so well—consider it a reward.”
Then she called out, “Waiter, one more crispy roast chicken. Wrap it up in oil paper.”
The waiter swiftly prepared the package.
Old Sun, however, looked nervous.
“Miss Chunyang, that chicken is expensive. The Second Young Madam will surely scold you for this—it’s too much!”
Chunyang laughed, waving a hand dismissively.
“I’m Second Young Madam’s most trusted maid. I can make small decisions like this. Besides, my Young Madam is kind-hearted—once she hears you’re taking the food home for your mother, she’ll only praise you, not blame you. She’s not so stingy. Now, eat up.”
Lailai gave her a thumbs-up and eagerly poured her tea.
“Miss Chunyang, I’ll be counting on you in the future!”
“That’s the spirit!” Chunyang said with a smirk.
Old Sun, holding his precious roast chicken, couldn’t stop smiling.
Meanwhile, the two guards, picking at their teeth, began scheming—perhaps they should find a way to stick with Second Young Madam permanently.
After receiving a whole roast chicken, Old Sun couldn’t stop grinning, while the two guards, picking at their teeth, were already plotting ways to get assigned to Second Young Madam permanently.
After lunch, they went for tea, and after tea, they watched the next Cuju match.
By the time they left the stadium, it was already evening.
Since they were already out, why not have dinner before heading back?
By the time they finished eating, the stars were twinkling in the sky.
And just at that moment, they stumbled upon a bustling night market.
How could they possibly go home now?
“Come on, let’s take a look!”
Tang Mo resigned himself to his fate and followed along.
Less than half an hour later, he was carrying a mountain of bags.
Xin An, still full of energy, found everything fascinating—and if something was interesting, she had to buy it.
The two guards walking behind them had their arms completely stacked with various trinkets and packages.
When yet another item was hung around his neck, Tang Mo groaned in despair.
He had always known this woman was ferocious, but she was even more ruthless when shopping.
Wasn’t she tired?!
“You know,” Xin An said cheerfully, “there are actually some pretty nice things at the night market. We should come more often.”
Up ahead, a crowd had gathered.
“What’s going on over there? Fire breathing? Let’s go check it out!”
Tang Mo rolled his eyes, but before they could reach the crowd, he suddenly spotted a familiar face.
Yan Shimao and his brother-in-law, Liu Mingyuan, were stepping out of a teahouse.
The moment their eyes met, Yan Shimao grinned.
“Second Brother Tang, have you been reduced to a pack mule?”
Tang Mo wanted to wave a hand in dismissal—only to realize both hands were occupied.
With a long-suffering sigh, he replied,
“Risking my life to accompany my wife.”
Xin An turned her head, spotting the two men. She gave up on the fire breather and walked back over.
“Second Young Master Yan is out at the night market too?”
“Second Sister-in-law.”
Yan Shimao was as polite as ever.
“I was just having tea with my brother-in-law. We were about to head back.”
Liu Mingyuan gave a courteous nod, knowing that Tang Mo was the man they had agreed to help secure a position for.
Xin An smiled. “If you two have business to discuss, I’ll head back first.”
“No need.”
Yan Shimao made no attempt to avoid her and spoke directly to Tang Mo.
“My brother-in-law has agreed to help. Now we just wait for news.”
Tang Mo wanted to clasp his hands in gratitude—unfortunately, he had no free hands, so he settled for a bow.
“Many thanks, Master Liu.”
Liu Mingyuan smiled. “No need for such formality. If you’re Second Brother Yan’s friend, just call me Brother Liu.”
Since he couldn’t refuse on behalf of his wife’s younger brother, Liu Mingyuan accepted Tang Mo’s gesture of goodwill.
Tang Mo immediately seized the opportunity.
“Then I must thank you, Brother Liu!”
At the same time, he stuffed a pile of packages into Liu Mingyuan’s arms.
“These are just some small trinkets we picked up at the night market. Nothing valuable, but quite interesting. Take them back for Sister Yan to enjoy.”
“There’s no need for that.”
Tang Mo stepped forward slightly, lowering his voice.
“Brother Liu, please help me—I can’t carry all this anymore. My wife… she’s terrifying when she shops. I physically can’t handle this.”
Yan Shimao laughed outright, then turned to Xin An to tattle on him.
“Sister-in-law, Second Brother Tang says he can’t handle your shopping and wants to give your purchases away.”
Xin An’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Well, what can we do? He’ll just have to endure it. If he hurts his arm, he’ll come complaining to me for compensation, won’t he?”
She grinned at Liu Mingyuan.
“Brother Liu, you’d better just accept them. They’re all little trinkets that women tend to like. If Sister Yan enjoys them, I’ll personally invite her next time—it’s quite fun shopping here.”
Liu Mingyuan, unable to refuse, took the pile of items with a good-natured smile.
“My wife does enjoy these kinds of small things. I’ll take them back to her, then. Many thanks, Second Brother Tang.”
Tang Mo exaggeratedly shook out his arms, sighing in relief.
“Finally—saved at last.”
“Alright, I’m taking her home. If we keep going, I might not make it back alive.”
He quickly bid farewell.
“Brother Liu, Brother Yan—I’ll treat you both to tea another day.”
After a few more exchanged pleasantries, Tang Mo hurriedly led Xin An away.
Watching their departing figures, Liu Mingyuan found the scene rather amusing.
“Everyone says Tang Mo suffered a great loss when the bride swap happened. But from what I see, he seems quite content.”
Yan Shimao chuckled.
“Maybe it was fate. Honestly, I think he and Miss Xin are a good match.”
Then, his tone grew more serious.
“Brother-in-law, I must trouble you to help him. Tang Mo is a solid, straightforward man. He just had the misfortune of being born into the wrong circumstances—his father never favored him. Life hasn’t been easy for him.”
Liu Mingyuan nodded in understanding.
“I’ll do what I can.”